I've shot a G11 since the day the housings first shipped, and I've been very happy with it. I originally chose the G series over the S series because I primarily shoot close in, and the closer minimum focus distance on the G cams were a selling point. I believe the current models are the same, with the G's able to focus under an inch (.39), and the S at 1.18, and yes, I regularly need to focus at closer than .39 inches
I think the S series cams are better, overall, for underwater photography, but mainly for the extra wide-angle options, smaller size, and cheaper housings. I'll probably update with the S100 or S110. The 110 is supposed to have better glass, which is tilting me in that direction, but the G15 has a faster lens, and closer focus, which makes it a very hard choice.
As for Sony vs. Canon, the G15 has better maximum aperture throughout it's zoom range. You can focus both G and S cams MUCH closer than you can with the Sony (1.97") which to me would be important, but most folks probably wouldn't notice. Last I checked, you have more housing and accessory options with Canons, but that may have changed. The Sony has a larger sensor. If the Sony had better glass I might lean in that direction, but I'd have to see photos before making such a decision, as I generally prefer Canons. I've been impressed by the NEX series, but it's just too expensive for something I'm going to replace in 2-3 years. I'd rather spend the money I save on more strobe and glass
![Winking :wink: :wink:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
---------- Post added January 2nd, 2013 at 10:45 PM ----------
Actually your post makes me realise that the idea of getting a G15 and a TTL wired strobe from scratch just to shoot macro is meaningless
1. You end up shooting in manual anyway so why bother with TTL
sTTL works fine for lazy folks like me, and you can always upgrade later if you like.
2. If all you do is macro and you are a beginner and not particularly creative with macro shots why even bother having a strobe the internal flash works at close range
Respectfully disagree. Internal flashes do not work underwater, at any range, and it's literally worse than having no flash at all.
So G15+Wired TTL strobe just to shoot macro = pointless unless you are recycling equipment you have already or you have the top range recsea with fisheye fixed port
Also disagree. TTL may be pointless, but the G15 would make a fine macro camera for underwater. Excluding mirrorless, I say you'd be hard-pressed to find a significantly better compact camera for shooting macro.